If Rockets are one-and-done … Jeff Van Gone-dy

Well, it’s not like the Rockets were around in the postseason a year ago, so there is cause for celebration. It is easy to forget that the Rockets went 34-48 a year ago, including a lousy 15-26 mark at “home.”

That said, this is about as an appropriate time as any (lest one be accused of hindsight journalism) to make the following statement:

If the Rockets are a first-round playoff victim – one and done as they say – it will be time for Jeff Van Gundy to be Jeff Van Gone-dy.

That’s one of the thoughts I’m considering delving into in my Page 2 column for Wednesday’s paper. Another? Even if the Rockets manage a first-round playoff victory before getting swamped in Round 2, it will be time for Jeff Van Gundy to be Jeff Van Gone-dy.

What do the Rockets and Dallas Cowboys have in common? My 9-year-old nephew wasn’t alive the last time either posted a playoff victory (game for the Cowboys, series for the Rockets).

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How amazing was Rasheed Wallace’s 60-footer last night? I think it is the second-most amazing game-saving (not necessarily game-winning) shot in NBA history.

The only one better is the Jerry West buzzer-beating 60-foot jumper in the 1970 NBA Finals that sent Game 3 into overtime. His Lakers eventually lost that game and the series to the Knicks. Had there been a three-point shot in the league at that time (or more accurately, one instituted before the final possession), West’s heave would have been the game-winner. (A side note few remember is Wilt Chamberlain celebrated when the shot went in and headed to the locker room, thinking it was the game-winner. He probably had a date.)

Ralph Sampson’s scoop-de-doop to beat the Lakers in Game 5 of the 1986 Western Conference Finals, ranks No. 3 in my book, but No. 1 in my childhood heart (though I was a young adult at the time).

The Gar Heard 19-footer to send Game 5 of the 1976 NBA Finals into a second overtime (a shot I watched on tape delay on my newlywed sister’s new console color television), was special. But the then-hated Celtics went onto beat Phoenix in the game and the series.

The Bird steal-Dennis Johnson layup for the then not-so hated Celtics to beat Detroit in Game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals ranks fifth on my list.

Did I miss any? And don’t come at me with Magic Johnson’s sweeping hook.

(Robert Reid’s blown layup in Game 6 against San Antonio in the 1981 playoffs is in my personal top 10 of amazing NBA shots, but I’m probably the only one who thinks so.)